Fender's home to bid for UK Town of Culture 2028

The home of Mercury Prize winner Sam Fender has announced it will compete for the title of UK Town of Culture 2028, with its deputy mayor claiming it has a "compelling story to tell"

North Shields will be entered into the national competition which will see the winner awarded £3m to deliver a programme of year-long events celebrating its heritage and identity.

The town, which recently marked its 800th anniversary culminating in a 400-strong parade, has a growing reputation as an arts and cultural hub.

North Tyneside Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson said the anniversary and the area's existing cultural quarter meant the bid had a "strong foundation".

"The programme is a real opportunity to use arts, culture and heritage to support regeneration and strengthen local pride," he said.

"We know how much potential there is here with our rich cultural and heritage offer, active community organisations and the strong identity and distinctive character of North Shields."

North Shields was founded in 1225 as a village made of small huts on what is now the Fish Quay, before growing into a larger harbour town.

It is now home to a number of creative events including the North Shields Mural Festival and the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, but has sprung to cultural prominence in recent years as the inspiration for local lad Sam Fender's music.

The council said it would be working with local groups, cultural organisations, businesses and residents to shape its expression of interest in the competition.

The bid will focus on three main areas set out in the national guidance: Your Story, Culture for Everyone and Making it Happen.

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is 31 March.

"We'll take the time to get this right, but we're committed to putting North Shields in the strongest possible position as we move into the next stage of the process," Johnson said.

Bishop Auckland in County Durham has already announced its bid, alongside other areas such as Basingstoke, Richmond and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

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